Beta version of Android 12: Everything you need to know

The preview for Android 12 developers is probably around the corner, and in this article you’ll learn everything you need to know about it. For more information on the changes that the new version of Android will bring, see Android 12: What will the new operating system bring?

Who is the developer preview for?

To begin with, it is important to remember that previews for developers are, of course, intended for developers. You don’t have to be a developer to download them, many Android enthusiasts download these versions just for fun. However, their problem is that they are often faulty and unstable, which is why they are not intended for ordinary users. They exist so that developers can try out the new API and learn about other system changes.

The changes that Google introduces sometimes cause unexpected problems, and testers help detect them. System stability issues are common in these versions, often with minor bugs such as unexpected application stops or accidental system restarts. In rare cases, a bootloop or data corruption may occur.

The main reason why Google releases these versions is to get feedback from users. Feedback does not mean non-constructive swearing sent through the Feedback application. Developer preview users are expected to send companies system logs and accurate descriptions of issues and steps taken.

If you are a smartphone enthusiast and you have a spare phone on hand, trying out a preview for developers can be fun. However, if you are considering installing it on your main device for everyday use, you run the risk and do not recommend it.

When will it be available?

No official release date is available at the time of writing. However, based on last year’s releases, we can predict when we will see it.

Google slightly changed its release plan for new versions of Android last year. Preview for Android 11 developers was released a month earlier than in previous versions of Android. However, in the context of the coronavirus pandemic, the release date may be postponed until March.

As for the specific time and day of the week, Google almost always releases beta versions on Wednesdays (usually 10:00 a.m. PT). Taking these factors into account, we can assume that a developer preview can be issued on one of the following dates:

• February 17
• February 24
• March 3
• March 10
• March 17

New versions of Android receive about 6 beta versions before a stable version is released. We should see this year around August or September.

Which phones can get it?

The list of devices that preview developers get varies each year. These are expected to be the following Pixel devices:

More devices are likely to receive support when you open Android Beta. OnePlus, OPPO, Xiaomi and ASUS will be in the summer to release beta versions for their own processing of the new version of Android, but only for one or two flagships.

How to install it

Installing later beta versions of Android is easy – just register on the Android Beta website. However, Google intentionally makes it difficult to install thumbnails for developers. The company is probably doing this to discourage those who would not be able to cope with the problems that unstable perceptions bring to developers. If, despite all the risks and problems, you want to download a preview for Android 12 developers and you don’t know how, you can find basic instructions on how to install it on the Android Central portal.

Difference between developer preview and beta

The beta names of the new versions of Android have changed over the years. Google has experimented with “developer preview” and “beta”. Last year, before the official release of Android 11, we received several unstable versions that took advantage of both of these designations and helped clarify the difference between them.

Views for developers are less stable, prone to change, and are for developers. Later, when severe bugs are fixed, changes are selected and new features are released in beta. These are designed to correct minor errors and fine-tune details.